Crate-head



(No Model.)

B. J. PATTERSON,

CRATE HEAD.

No. 441,326. Patented Nov. 25, 1890.

ll gigs, I a, 5%071766? a! W M flaw/A viwsg MW.

we nonnwwsrens c0.. mo'rcnrrna, wumnaron, o. c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RALPH J. PATTERSON, OF DOCTORTOWVN, GEORGIA.

CRATE-HEAD.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 441,326, dated November 25, 1890.

Application filed January 31, 1890. Serial No. 338,794. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, RALPH J. PATTERSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Doctortown, in the county of lVayne and State of Georgia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Crate-Heads, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to that class of heads used in crates for oranges or other fruit, and has for its object to provide a head which is easily and cheaply made, but which will also make the crate stronger than the common construction, at the same time providing ventilation in the head, and not by leaving gaps between the shooks. This latter construction is faulty, leaving edges against which the fruit is cut and bruised in transportation and exposing it to other damage.

In the drawings hereto annexed, and made a part of this specification, Figure 1 shows the frame of the crate-head in elevation. Fig. 2 shows the head complete. Fig. 3 shows the perforated piece giving ventilation. Fig. 4. shows the pieces of the frame, there being four of these pieces, two of each kind. Fig. 5 shows a joint of the head-frame. Fig. 6 shows the peculiar nail used to join the corners of the frame, and Fig. 7 shows an isometric perspective of a box or crate embodying my invention.

The construction of my improved cratehead is as follows: The four pieces A A A A (fully shown in Fig. 4, using two of each of the kinds shown therein) are put together in the manner shown in Fig. 1, well known in the trade. These pieces are of one and one fourth inch stuff, and when in place form a frame. The corners of the frame are further secured together by the staple-nail 0, Fig. (3, having a rigid body and internal wedge-faces, acting to force together the corner mortises, it being evident, however, that in many cases a staple-nail of wire would be sufficiently strong. To the inside face of the frame thus formed is fastened the perforated piece of thin wood B, (shown -in Fig. 3,) making the crate-head appear as in Fig. 2. The perforations are sufficient to ventilate the box thoroughly. Placing this piece on the inside of the frame gives there a flush surface, avoiding contusion 0f the fruit, and also leaves a recessed end to the crate, whereby it is easily handled. Two heads being made, thin wood sides are nailed on in the usual manner to make a box. If a mid-head is used, it should have a perforated piece on each side of the I frame, so as to present a smooth surface to .the fruit.

therein, and securing its component nembers' together, substantially as described.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two witnesses.

RALPH J. PATTERSON. Witnesses:

E; O. FORT, HENRY R. Form. 

